Local motorbike enthusiast Paul Jessop has just returned from taking part in the 2018 Scrapheap Adventure Ride - a fundraising event which involves motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country. Participants purchase a bike for no more than $1000 and ride it to a designated destination – this year Pooncarie, in south western NSW - to raise money for people with Down syndrome. “The idea is to fix up a bike destined for the scrapheap and spend as little money as possible on it,” said Paul. “Miles Archdale donated an old farm bike with a blown motor he had, and I had an old Yamaha V twin motor lying around, and and Supermoto of Armidale gave me some old bits of bikes they had. Over five months I put it all together and made a motorbike.” Paul was named the third highest solo fundraiser with a total of $1,970 in donations and announced as having the best engineered motorbike. His father Rob flew out from New Zealand to drive the back-up vehicle during the four-day-trek, along with his grandsons Rory and Aaron. Paul said he is not sure what he will do with the bike now – but he is planning to take part in next year’s Scrapheap Adventure Ride challenge in Byron Bay. “It runs pretty well but I blew the rear suspension on the way there so it is not too comfortable,” he said “Next year will be the tenth anniversary of the event so I might fix up this year’s entry for my son and make another for myself to enter.” Donations can still be made to Down Syndrome NSW through Pauls fundraising page here

Walcha motorbiker excels at the 2018 Scrapheap Adventure Ride

Saved from the scrap heap for charity: VIDEO

NOT SO EASY RIDER: Paul Jessop with his Scrapheap Adventure bike enroute to Pooncarie. He said he enjoyed stopping in small towns on the way to spend money with local businesses doing it tough in the drought.

Local motorbike enthusiast Paul Jessop has just returned from taking part in the 2018 Scrapheap Adventure Ride - a fundraising event which involves motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country.

Participants purchase a bike for no more than $1000 and ride it to a designated destination – this year Pooncarie, in south western NSW - to raise money for people with Down syndrome.

“The idea is to fix up a bike destined for the scrapheap and spend as little money as possible on it,” said Paul.

“Miles Archdale donated an old farm bike with a blown motor he had, and I had an old Yamaha V twin motor lying around, and and Supermoto of Armidale gave me some old bits of bikes they had. Over five months I put it all together and made a motorbike.”